Cuneo Hall is the latest sustainable LEED Gold addition to Chicago's Loyola University, designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) to fit right in with the traditional collegiate brick buildings of the existing campus. But the red brick facade belies the fact that Cueno Hall is, according to the architects, one of the most "innovative and energy-conscious buildings in the Midwest." The new 67,000 square foot classroom and academic building completes a picture-perfect example of a modern university campus.

In an effort to fulfill the University’s commitment to energy reduction and sustainability, the building is equipped with some interesting technology: each classroom and office has a Building Automation System that can notify occupants when outdoor conditions favor opening up the windows to bring in natural ventilation. Mechanical systems can then be turned off which saves energy, supported by in-slab radiant heating and cooling.

Last year the campus was recognized for its drive towards being a green institution, and it placed among some of the highest ranked universities in the country for sustainability. As well as the transformative design, the university is also integrating ecological education into the school’s curriculum.

Cuneo Hall now houses Loyola’s Center for Urban Research and Learning, Center for the Human Rights of Children, among others. The building is also the location of the university’s Urban Research Center.